Disappointed Hopes by R. M. KILGORE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

Disappointed Hopes

By R. M. KILGORE

R. M. KILGORE

LIKE the magnetic needle, the people of the world, for many years have been attracted to the north pole. Daring explorers have gone forth in search of that great prize. Life has been sacrificed, untold suffering endured, and fabulous sums of money squandered to gain the coveted goal. For years the nations have vied with one another, striving to obtain the right of discovery, which, in their minds, would be an immense acquisition to their landed estate, and add another golden crown of glory to their brow.

Dr. Frederick A. Cook has recently surprised the nations by publishing the declaration that he had discovered the north pole. In less than a week another unexpected message is sent abroad by Commander Peary that he had made the discovery, and claimed the reward of

honor, disputing the claim of the former. An altercation is now on as to who is the man first to step in sight of the depressed center. The controversy waxes warm, and the contention for the rights involved is likely to be greater than the value of the cold inheritance discovered.

Dr. Cook, in reporting his conquest of the pole, gives the following graphic description of his feelings and impressions on the last day of his long and perilous journey:—

“I slept very little; my goal was reached, the ambition of my life had been fulfilled; how could I sleep away such overwhelming moments of elation?

“At last we had reached the boreal center. The dream of nations had been realized. The race of centuries was ours. The flag was pinned to the coveted pole. The year was 1908, the day April 21. . . .

“Though overjoyed with the success of the conquest, our spirits began to change on the next day after all the observations had been taken, and the local conditions were studied. A sense of intense loneliness came with a careful scrutiny of the horizon. What a cheerless spot to have aroused the ambition of man for so many ages! Endless fields of purple snows. No life, no land, no spot to relieve the monotony of frost. We were the only pulsating creatures in a dead world of ice.”

No such disappointment awaits God’s people at the end of their journey. God’s promises are sure. Their expectations will be more than realized. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” O, that will be “joy unspeakable and full of glory”!

Dickson, Tenn.